Falls are one of the most common types of Construction Accident and for this reason, particularly strict regulations govern scaffold use. Workers may fall from scaffolding, into ditches, through flooring, off of cranes and lifts, in elevator shafts, etc. Falls may be caused by unsafe ladders, holes in flooring, improper or insufficient safety equipment, hazardous debris and materials, unprotected ledges, etc. You should report all unsafe situations a work to your supervisor and insist that something be done about it

Common sense and precaution are the best ways to avoid falls on construction jobs. No matter how small the job, safety should be the first priority. Holes and dangerous areas should be marked first; if a piece of plywood is covering a hole in the floor it should not be moved without placing a clearly visible warning in the area. Workers should maintain three points of contact with ladders at all times (two feet and a hand or two hands and a foot). Ignoring safety guidelines on ladders is highly imprudent and leads to countless falls each year. Following the OSHA scaffold regulations is also of paramount importance. They are quite strict and explicit, including detailed guidelines for the construction, use, strength, safety precautions, and regulation of scaffolds.  OSHA also provides guidelines and standards to aid in the elimination of construction falls in general.